sional Robin Beckham has established solid businesses by telling the stories of Black communities in Pittsburgh and beyond. With more than 20 years in the field of jour- nalism, Beckhamhasworked on air as a news reporter and as a national correspondent for Black Entertainment Tele- vision. During her tenure she has interviewed the likes of Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali and Denzel Washington, to name a few. She gained ex- perience with web publishing as senior public relations manager for Education Man- agement Corporation’s on- line education programs. As founder of Beckham Media, Beckham is responsible for PittsburghUrbanMedia.com and SeattleUrban- Media.com, in addition to “Excellence for All,” a monthly television show fo- cused on education in Pittsburgh Public Schools. She expanded the organiza- tion to include SeattleUrbanMedia.com this year. Beckham holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Washington and a mas- ter’s in public affairs from the University of Illinois. Beckham is on the Three Rivers Adoption Board of directors. She is the mother of a young son.

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE 2011

Education JACKIE BLAKEY-TATE

Retired School Administrator As a school social worker and administrator for more than 35 years, Jackie

Blakey-Tate hasmade a lasting impression on generations of students who have always known they can call onMs. Blakey. TheWilkinsburg High School gradu- ate received a bachelor’s degree from Findlay University and graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She started her careerwith the City of Pittsburgh Neighborhood Youth Corps,moved on to the Pittsburgh Public Schools and retired as Assistant to the Superinten- dent of the Wilkinsburg School District. She remains active in schools as a consul- tant, trainer,mentor and con- ducts several workshops. Her social affiliations include a life membership of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., membership in the Alpha Alpha Omega graduate chap- ter and service on the board of directors for the nonprofit affiliate of the Ivy Charitable Endowment. She was re- cently elected as chair of the board of Addison Behavioral Health and is an activemem- ber of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. Blakey-Tate enjoys time with nieces and nephews, as well as the stu- dents she has kept in contact with over the years.